Background

Analyzing the potential for improving energy use and environmental performance in steelmaking often involves complex interaction between the sub units of the industrial system. In the steel industry implementation of Process Integration methods can be further developed to powerful tools for strategic management which includes decision making in connection with design of new plants, reshape of existing plants, or process development projects. Process constraints and alternative design options can be evaluated on equal terms. The implementation of recommended measures in this type of studies is often closely linked to other strategic decisions. International cooperation can help to develop and spread this type of systematic approaches to be used for identification of energy saving and CO2 reduction potential for the industry in general, and within this Annex for the iron and steel industry in particular.

Description of Annex

Efficient use of energy in industrial systems is important in order to decrease the total energy conversion in an industrial plant. It is desirable to use the excess heat generated from industry to produce a useful product as well as reduce the thermal pollution. The objective of the IETS Annex is to reduce the use of energy and greenhouse gas emissions in the iron and steel industry by the following:

Creation of a network of experts involved in projects with the iron and steel industry and the use of Process Integration methods as a common denominator,

Bringing together and sharing information on the present state of the art of methods as well as practical tools for systems optimisation with regard to energy and GHG emissions, and

Creation of guidelines for the application of Process Integration methods in the industry.

The objectives shall be achieved by performing three Tasks. The Task structure forms a common path for the Annex participants. Each Task builds on national projects that are brought together to a collaborative work forming the total Annex scope. The first Task outlines the following work.

Task 1: Process integration methods

Tools

Modeling

Task 2: Energy efficiency

Heat recovery

Energy coordination

Low temperature streams

Excess heat

Task 3: GHG mitigation

Alternate fuels

Carbon lean technologies

Activities during 2014

A third, open, workshop was held in Tokyo 5-7 November 2013. A fourth, concluding, workshop was planned for the spring 2014 but could for different reasons not be realized. The Annex has however been finalized in practice, and the guidelines for application of Process Integration methods in the industry are being drafted for submission to the IETS Executive Committee in the fall of 2014.